Thread: D3 or L322 ? What a dilemma!

L322

My first thoughts would be, what do you require it to do? Both have similar performance offroad - D3 traction aids are automated while the L322 is more hands on. Do you need 5 or 7 seats or extra rear cargo area (D3 seats fold flat, L322 not so much) and gearboxes on both have their issues, etc, etc, etc. On the whole (in your price bracket), you will likely get a lot more car for your money if you went the L322 route (more classy too). It boils down to what features you want and which (decent, looked after, good service history) car gives you those features for the best price.

If I was to choose between the two I would go for the L322. I don't need the 7 seats and like the classy looks of the L322. In fact I have been doing some quiet research for the last 6 months on what to look for when I eventually get myself a L322. Enter Kym (kmcd) off this forum who offered me a ridiculously low priced D3 TDV6 with all the fruit a couple of weeks ago and I couldn't say no. Guess I will have to wait for a L322 a bit longer.....

In my opinion you can't really go wrong with either as they are both great cars, just subtly different. Good luck with whichever one you choose.

There are probably more accessories available for the D3.

I have a L322 so my view will be biased. I like the suspension set up better on the L322, in particular how the rear shocks are outside the air spring. Both are excellent vehicles.
My advice would be look for the youngest vehicle you can find in your price range. I’m not a fan of the BMW v8 in the L322. The jag V8 in both the D3 and L322 is very well regarded.

the 5 speed auto in the l322 with the bmw 4,4 is a but weaker then the 6 speed fitted later on if possible get a latter model l322 ( i think last year of bmw engines get it)
the d3 gets the 6 speed zf standerd

both are decent but stay well clear of any td6 l322 as the gearbox in them is a hand grenade with the pin pulled and lever let go waiting to explode

if your wanting to do a lot of towing ( towing every or every 2nd weekend) the d3 is probably better due to the full chassi and the same for doing a lot of 4 wheeling and tougher trails all the time

the l322 will be better around town and be more comfortable but is still capable of towing now and then and doing those same trails as the d3 but just not as often

When i was researching my latest car purchase i did the same comparison, although in diesel, so things might be different. For the same price the L322 were substantially older, but less kays. I cringed at the thought of say the L322 clearcoat starting to bubble during my ownership (?). My knee is up against the dash in the D3, so that kinda weighs against it.

[I ended up getting a brand new Amarok; more power and torque to weight, better acceleration, less turbo lag, better fuel economy, better gearbox, more load space, etc.]

The l322 in my exp is probably THE best towing vehicle i have owned. Yes the 5spd gm box is a piece of rubbish but the last of the td6, MY06, boxes were marginally better. An upgraded torque converter is a must and regularly serviced. I am towing up to 3.2t on occasion with mine, and it has been remapped... and i check the transmission oil condition for particles regularly. Today we did 550km on the highway at 110+ and still got 10.9l/100. Fabulous vehicles😍

Oops sorry forgot the v8 mention. .. high mileage v8s are exxy to repair, timing chain issues, oil leaks and cooling systems are constants with them. The alternators are water cooled and again very expensive to replace. The zf 5hp24 is not a bad transmission haven't had many issues at all but have replaced the odd shift solenoid on them.

Jc